Nursing Elites

1. When reviewing the demographics of ethnic groups in the United States, which group does the nurse recall as the largest and fastest-growing population?

• A. Asian
• B. Hispanic
• C. American Indian
• D. African American/Black

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Hispanic.' Hispanics are the largest and fastest-growing population in the United States. While African Americans/Blacks, Asians, American Indians, and other groups are significant, Hispanics currently represent the largest demographic group. African American/Black, Asian, and American Indian populations are substantial but not as large or fast-growing as the Hispanic population. Therefore, Hispanic is the most appropriate choice in this scenario.

2. Which of the following statements best describes substance P?

• A. Substance P decreases a client's sensitivity to pain
• B. Substance P levels are drawn before administration of narcotic analgesics
• C. Substance P is found in the brain and is responsible for pain control and management of depression
• D. Substance P is found in the dorsal horn of the spinal column

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Substance P is a neurotransmitter found in the brain and the dorsal horn of the spinal column, not just in the brain. It is associated with pain transmission and modulation. Substance P is known to cause inflammation, edema, and pain. While it plays a role in pain perception, it does not decrease a client's sensitivity to pain (Choice A), nor are its levels typically drawn before administering narcotic analgesics (Choice B). Although substance P is involved in pain control, it is not responsible for managing depression (Choice C). Therefore, the correct statement is that substance P is found in the dorsal horn of the spinal column.

3. Surgical asepsis is being performed when:

• A. wiping down exam tables with bleach
• B. sterilizing instruments
• C. changing table paper
• D. wearing gloves when performing injections

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Surgical asepsis refers to the process of maintaining a sterile environment to prevent the introduction of pathogens to a patient's body. Sterilizing instruments is a crucial aspect of surgical asepsis as it ensures that the instruments used during procedures are free from microorganisms that could cause infections. Wiping down exam tables with bleach may help in cleaning and disinfecting surfaces but does not pertain directly to maintaining a sterile field. Changing table paper is important for cleanliness and infection control but is not specifically related to surgical asepsis. Wearing gloves when performing injections is important for standard precautions and preventing the spread of infection but does not encompass the concept of surgical asepsis, which focuses on maintaining a sterile field during invasive procedures.

4. An experienced healthcare professional instructs a new colleague on caring for a patient with dyspnea due to a pulmonary fungal infection. Which action by the new colleague indicates a need for further teaching?

• A. Listening to the patient's lung sounds several times during the shift
• B. Placing the patient in droplet precautions and in a private hospital room
• C. Increasing the oxygen flow rate to maintain oxygen saturation above 90%
• D. Monitoring the patient's serology results to identify the specific infecting organism

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is placing the patient in droplet precautions and in a private hospital room. Fungal infections are not transmitted from person to person, so isolation procedures like droplet precautions are unnecessary. Listening to the patient's lung sounds, increasing the oxygen flow rate, and monitoring serology results are all appropriate actions in caring for a patient with dyspnea caused by a pulmonary fungal infection.

5. A 75-year-old man with a history of hypertension was recently changed to a new antihypertensive drug. He reports feeling dizzy at times. How would the nurse evaluate his blood pressure?

• A. Blood pressure and pulse should be recorded in the supine, sitting, and standing positions.
• B. The patient should be directed to walk around the room and his blood pressure assessed after this activity.
• C. Blood pressure and pulse are assessed at the beginning and at the end of the examination.
• D. Blood pressure is taken on the right arm and then 5 minutes later on the left arm.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Orthostatic vital signs should be taken when the person is hypertensive or is taking antihypertensive medications, when the person reports fainting or syncope, or when volume depletion is suspected. The blood pressure and pulse readings are recorded in the supine, sitting, and standing positions.

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